No-Cost Winter Energy Savings Tips

Insulating and Sealing Air Leaks

  • Keep storm windows and doors in place to help prevent heat loss.
  • When not in use, make sure the fireplace damper is tightly closed.

Heating and Ventilation

  • Consider setting the thermostat as low as comfortable in the winter.
    (Please note: Seniors and people with special medical needs should check with their doctors before changing their normal home temperatures or considering turning off heating units.)
  • Don’t constantly move the thermostat up or down throughout the day as it will waste money and energy.
  • Turn the thermostat down when not at home.
  • Check air ducts to be sure they are still connected.
  • Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture or drapes. Clean warm air-registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed.
  • Use ceiling fans to assist in heating. In the winter, blades should rotate clockwise when viewed from below.
  • Remove trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season. If in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Water Heating

  • Turn down the temperature on the water heater to 120 degrees.
  • Use cold water to wash clothes.
  • Wash full loads of laundry for maximum efficiency. If loads are less than full, set the water level in the washing machine to suit the size of the load to save energy and water.

Windows

  • Let sunlight into your home during the winter and keep it out in the summer.

Lighting

  • Turn off lights that are not being used.

Appliances and Electronics

  • If you have gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment may be needed.  If an adjustment needs to be made, consult the manufacturer or your local utility.
  • Clean the lint trap in the clothes dryer before each load of clothes to improve dryer efficiency.
  • Keep refrigerator base clean. To clean underneath the refrigerator, take off the guard and remove dirt and debris.
  • Clear the freezer and around the freezer fan.
  • Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
  • Turn off computers, monitors, printers and televisions during periods of non-use. These devices use energy even in stand-by mode.

Additional Tips

  • Monitor your meter(s) weekly to check consumption and for bill planning.  
  • Wear extra layers of clothing or use extra blankets in the winter.
  • Wear warm socks. Warm feet widen blood vessels, which better enables your body to transfer heat.

 

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